The Abia State administration is requesting that residents of Amamba Uzuakoli, located in the Bende Local Government Area, evacuate their homes and lands following severe destruction caused by gully erosion. Philemon Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Environment, visited the site this Friday and declared that the region is no longer suitable for living or agricultural activities.
Accompanied by Chima Anyaso, the Labour Party candidate for the Bende Federal constituency, Commissioner Ogbonna surveyed the damage, noting that his visit was ordered by Governor Alex Otti to assess the scale of the environmental crisis. He promised that the state government intends to take action to address the situation soon. Anyaso also voiced his concern regarding the scale of the damage, pledging to work alongside the Governor to prevent further catastrophe in Uzuakoli. He criticized past lawmakers from the Bende Federal constituency for neglecting the erosion issue despite receiving significant electoral support from the area.
Chigozie Okechukwu, the President General of Amamba Uzuakoli, guided the officials through the impacted sites. He noted that residents are currently living in constant fear as homes and crops have been lost to the expanding chasms. To mitigate risks, Okechukwu has instructed local youth groups to block access routes leading to the erosion sites to prevent further accidents.
